How to get to Hvar Island – FLIGHTS, FERRIES & CATAMARANS

Before you can get to Hvar Island, you need to get to Croatia.

Croatia has a network of international airports with the major hubs being Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula. Smaller options such as Rijeka, Osijek, and Brač also receive direct flights from across Europe, especially between April and September.

The closest airport to Hvar is Split Airport (SPU), located roughly 30 minutes from the historic city of Split. During summer, numerous direct flights serve Split from London and other European cities.

Travellers from the United States, Australia, or other further-flug destinations typically face one or two connections. You’re in for a longer journey, but we can assure that the destination rewards every effort.

That said, Croatia already operates some direct seasonal services, including from New York to Dubrovnik, so you can go from the Big Apple to the land of Game of Thrones in less than 9 hours. From summer 2026, United Airlines will add a new seasonal direct route from Newark to Split, operating three times weekly.

Many Europeans embrace the freedom of the open road and drive their own car into Croatia, which offers the most flexibility, although often a pretty long and tiring drive.

Whether driving your own car or renting one, Croatia has a well-developed highway infrastructure crossing all four corners of the country, supplemented by parallel toll-free national roads.

All roads are asphalted and adequately wide, with clear road signs. Remember, if you bring a foreign-registered vehicle, ensure you have valid international motor vehicle insurance and that any foreign-registered car carries valid international motor insurance (commonly known as a Green Card).

Croatia accommodates private vessels with a well-established network of ports and marinas.

Year-round options include Umag, Poreč, Rovinj, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik and Korčula, among others. Seasonal marinas, typically open from April to October, feature ACI facilities in Umag, Novigrad and Sali.

For international crossings with vehicles, Jadrolinija operates car ferries on key routes connecting Italy and Croatia, including Zadar to Ancona, Split to Ancona, and Dubrovnik to Bari. Tickets can be booked online once seasonal timetables are released, usually not far in advance.

Faster passenger-only catamarans link Venice in Italy to ports in Istria, a region in Northern Croatia. Adriatic Lines operates seasonal services from May to early October, serving Pula, Poreč, Rovinj and Umag in Croatia, plus Piran in Slovenia. Daily departures in peak season provide the quickest vehicle-free option across the Adriatic.

A separate seasonal fast catamaran service, also operated by Adriatic Lines, connects Dubrovnik with ports in Montenegro, including Budva and Kotor.

As Hvar is an island, the final leg of any journey requires a boat crossing.

There are a number of private catamaran companies, including Krilo, TP-Line, and the national carrier, Jadrolinija. Catamarans are not the same as ferries. Catamarans are for passengers only, while ferries accommodate both vehicles and passengers. Catamarans are smaller and faster, while ferries are larger and the only option for those bringing cars onto Hvar.

Routes and schedules vary by season and departure point, but advance online booking is strongly advised regardless of choice. This avoids standing in long queues under the hot sun or missing your boat, especially during the peak season. Speaking of missing boats, be very careful not to misread the ferry times. Confusion over ferry timetables ranks high among common pitfalls for visitors to Croatia, so double-check details when planning.

Split serves as the primary mainland gateway to Hvar Island, positioned just across the Adriatic. Catamarans complete the crossing to Hvar Town in just under one hour, while car ferries to Stari Grad take roughly two hours.

Split integrates multiple transport hubs efficiently: the ferry port, bus terminal, and train station cluster together within a 10-minute walk of the historic centre and the waterfront promenade. Split Airport is approximately 30 minutes northwest of the city. Transfers include taxis or rideshare apps (typically €35-45) for direct convenience, or the airport shuttle bus (€8 one way), which runs frequently, stops en route and delivers passengers to the central bus terminal in about 45-60 minutes. Services remain reliable and modern.

Dubrovnik provides a scenic southern gateway to Hvar Island, though journeys take longer than from Split.

Direct passenger catamarans run seasonally to Hvar Town, typically completing the crossing in around three and a half hours, depending on the operator and stops. Car ferries require a two and a half hour drive north to Drvenik, still on the mainland, where a ferry connects to the town of Sućuraj on Hvar’s eastern tip.

Dubrovnik integrates transport hubs near the historic Old Town. The ferry port at Gruž lies about 3 kilometres northwest of the centre, reachable by local bus or taxi in 10-15 minutes. The main bus station sits adjacent to the port, while Dubrovnik Airport is 20 kilometres southeast, with airport shuttles (€10-12 one way) syncing to flights and arriving at the bus station in roughly 30-45 minutes.

Taxis or rideshares from the airport to the port cost €30-50 for quicker transfers.

Most visitors reach Hvar Island without bringing a car or private boat. If you fall in this category, your options are a public catamaran, a private speedboat transfer, or, for the ultimate expedited arrival, a helicopter service or private plane.

Passenger catamarans provide the quickest and most convenient option for foot travellers reaching Hvar Island.

Multiple daily services run from Split to Hvar Town throughout the year, with frequencies increasing in summer. The crossing takes around one hour. One daily catamaran also connects Split to Jelsa, a smaller harbour town on the northern coast of Hvar, with a slightly longer journey time.

From Dubrovnik, seasonal direct catamarans serve Hvar Town, typically taking three and a half hours depending on stops.

Operators include Jadrolinija, sometimes the most affordable choice with some sailings subsidised by the government, alongside Kapetan Luka (Krilo) and TP-Line.

Catamarans sometimes sell out in July and August, and ticket lines can be long, so it never hurts to buy your ticket online a day in advance.

To board, it’s enough to be there 10 minutes before the departure since catamarans don’t stay anchored in the port. Still, if you want to be sure of a good seat, be at the port half an hour earlier because people do start to queue early. Onboard facilities include restrooms and a canteen offering snacks, espresso and beverages. Crew members can direct you to the designated luggage storage areas.

Foot passengers may also board the larger car ferry from Split to Stari Grad as an alternative, though journey times extend to two hours.

Private speedboat transfers offer a faster service, typically starting with a driver collecting you at Split Airport and escorting you to the nearby dock for private boats. A private vessel then whisks you directly to your port of choice on Hvar.

The price for a private transfer of course exceeds that of public catamarans, yet the difference is often justified by the speedy, hassle-free experience.

This option suits long-haul travellers from North America, Australia or Asia especially well. Following an overnight flight and inevitable jet lag, the alternative of navigating to the ferry port, waiting for a scheduled departure and completing the public crossing can prove draining for adults and challenging for children. A private transfer ensures arrival on the island refreshed and ready to start the holiday properly.

It also resolves timing issues with very early or late flights that might otherwise require an unplanned overnight in Split. Rather than settling into a city hotel only to repeat part of the journey the next day, you reach Hvar and unpack within about one hour of clearing the airport.

For Hvar Away villa guests, our dedicated concierge gladly organises all private transfer arrangements on your behalf.

Private aircraft allow travellers to skip sea crossings altogether. Hvar's small airstrip outside of Stari Grad accommodates private planes, light jets and turboprops, operating daylight hours only. Advance coordination is essential for slots, fuel and any international customs.

Helicopter transfers offer flexible alternatives, departing from Split or Dubrovnik airports to helipads in Hvar Town or elsewhere on the island. Both options carry premium costs but provide exceptional convenience and stunning aerial views of the Dalmatian coast. Local operators or your concierge can handle arrangements.

Several car rental agencies operate directly on the island, with desks or delivery services in Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

Visitors staying in the island’s main towns usually find no need to rent a car, as shops, restaurants, beaches, and attractions lie within easy walking distance. That said, particularly when staying outside of those main towns, renting a car provides the greatest freedom to explore the island fully: hidden coves, inland villages, and vineyards at your own pace. Pick-up can typically be arranged at either Hvar Town central or Stari Grad ferry port upon arrival.

Relying on taxis for numerous trips over a week-long stay is almost always guaranteed to be a pricier option than renting a car when you visit Hvar. If you are a Hvar Away villa guest, our concierge can organise a suitable vehicle in advance, tailored to your schedule and preferences.

There are only two car ferry ports on Hvar Island: Stari Grad on the northern coast and Sućuraj at the eastern tip. Other harbours, including Hvar Town and Jelsa, accommodate passenger catamarans only. And yes, you can hop on a car ferry even if you are not travelling with a car.

The only company that runs car ferries is Jadrolinija, Croatia's state ferry provider. The primary route links Split to Stari Grad, with multiple daily departures year-round and a crossing time of two hours in standard conditions. Fares are typically €40 for a standard sized vehicle, with additional charges for passengers. Book well ahead, especially in summer, as spaces fill quickly. Arrive at least one hour early to secure a place in the loading queue.

If your final destination from Stari Grad port is Hvar Town, the drive is easy – and strikingly beautiful. Just follow the signs on the main road, and you will arrive in about 20 minutes.

An alternative car ferry route runs from Drvenik (on the mainland, roughly 90 minutes south of Split, and 2.5 hours north of Dubrovnik) to Sućuraj. While picturesque, Sućuraj lies at Hvar Island's far eastern tip, connected for the first part by a narrow, winding road that demands caution. Unless approaching from the south, such as Dubrovnik or the Makarska Riviera, most travellers find Stari Grad the more practical entry point.

The area around Hvar is one of the world’s best for yachting and sailing, boasting gentle waves, exceptional beauty, and innumerable ports and anchorages with inviting amenities.

There are few better ways to reach Hvar Island than aboard a sailing vessel, with the wind in your hair and a glass of wine in your hand. For those who savour the journey as much as the destination, week-long Elegance cruises around Croatia depart from Split or Dubrovnik, and include stops at Hvar and other treasures of the Dalmatian coast.

If you have the pleasure of coming by private sail or yacht, your skipper or charter company will handle docking or provide detailed instructions.

As a word to the wise – berths are limited, so reserve well in advance.

The effort of reaching Hvar pays off the moment you settle into the right accommodation. Our hand-picked collection of luxury villas on Hvar spans the island, with each property combining exceptional location with thoughtful design, outdoor spaces, and comfort to make the most of days spent exploring, or simply do nothing at all.

Our villas come with dedicated local support that picks up where your journey ends: transfers sorted on arrival, recommendations for local restaurants, and access to our exclusive Experiences – whatever you need to ease straight into island time. Whether you prefer total seclusion or a short stroll to Hvar Town’s harbour, the villa you choose becomes the foundation for a stay that feels effortless from the first afternoon.